Notes from 800 Feet

About This Blog

It’s a BIG country out there. The national parks in northwest Alaska cover 12 million acres. With a boat, snowmachine or sturdy set of legs, a person can immerse themselves in a little of that territory, but no one sees it like a pilot who experiences the parks from the air. The park service pilots fly a small tandem Scout on patrols and surveys for the National Park Service. Tundra, mountains, and sand dunes are what he sees from their “desk,” and from the sky, they takes notes on wildlife, ice on the rivers, plant green-up, storm cells, and smoking fires. On this blog, our pilots will share the view from 800 feet up. In turn, we hope you’ll be inspired to follow along virtually or get your feet out on the ground and enjoy the riches of these parks. Tune in for weekly observations from: Kobuk Valley National Park, Noatak National Preserve and Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

A Visit to Kobuk Valley National Park!

July 07, 2016 Posted by: Ranger Cait

It's not just park rangers who can see Kobuk Valley National Park from the sky.  Visitors can also enjoy a bird's-eye view.

 

Sand Dunes in the Arctic

June 29, 2016 Posted by: Ranger Cait

From the sky, you can see the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, the largest active sand dunes in the Arctic.

 

Caribou Tracks on a Snowy Tundra

October 08, 2015 Posted by: Ranger Cait

Ranger Tyler flies to a snowy Shungnak, passing over signs of a recent caribou migration.

 

Last updated: July 19, 2017

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Mailing Address:

PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

Phone:

907 442-3890

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